Kashima were looking to bounce back from a 4-1 hammering by Korean champions Suwon Bluewings in the Asian Champions League on Wednesday, but made a terrible start at Big Swan Stadium in Niigata, falling two goals behind within the first 15 minutes.

Seeking to build on their 4-1 away win over FC Tokyo last week, Albirex began well, taking the lead after 10 minutes when former Japan forward Kisho Yano headed home a free-kick at the near post.

The hosts extended their advantage four minutes later as Brazilian midfielder Marcio Richardes stole the ball from Masahiko Inoha and fed it to new signing Pedro Junior, who burst clear and neatly tapped the ball past an advancing Hitoshi Sogahata.

Kashima coach Oswaldo Oliveira brought on former Japan midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara and forward Yuzo Tashiro after the interval in an attempt to rescue the match but the champions were unable to cut the deficit.

Takuya Nozawa and Marquinhos missed opportunities and Daiki Iwamasa saw his header come back off the post as the home side kept their illustrious opponents at bay.

Kashima finally pulled a goal back when Iwamasa headed in from close range in added time but it proved to be only a consolation goal for the visitors.

"The game was almost over in the first half," said Oliveira.

"I told our players to be careful going into the game but Albirex capitalised on their few chances.

"We played better in the second half and showed our fighting spirit and never-say-day attitude. That's what we need to show more of in our upcoming games."

Albirex are one of only two teams with perfect records after two matches and trail Asian champions Gamba Osaka on goal difference.

"Getting a good result against a strong side like Kashima will give us good confidence," said goalscoring hero Yano.

"The season has just started and we would like to collects our wins one by one."

In Sunday's only other game, Croatian defender Mato Neretljak scored twice as Omiya Ardija won 3-2 at Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Yojiro Takahagi gave Hiroshima an early lead after four minutes but his strike was cancelled out by Neretljak shortly before the break.

Hiroshima defender Ryota Moriwaki put the hosts ahead again in the 50th minute but Omiya responded with substitute Masahiko Ichikawa levelling in the 73rd minute before Neretljak hit the winner 10 minutes from time to give his side their first win of the season.